Final showdown as Aztec Masters and Young Pirates go head to head at Sol Plaatje Masters Football League Play-offs

Football fans in the Northern Cape are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Sol Plaatjie Masters Football League season.

On December 7, Aztec Masters Football Club will face off against their archrivals, Young Pirates Masters Football Club, in the play-off final at Galeshewe Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm, and with a history of intense battles between these two sides, expect fireworks on the pitch.

This matchup goes beyond merely crowning a champion; it's a clash of legacies, resilience, and redemption. Young Pirates leads Stream B by a single point, while Aztec Masters leads Stream A by five points. Both teams have battled through a tough year but remain hopeful, and they are eyeing a league triumph to cap off their recent successes in tournaments.

Young Pirates: A Storied Powerhouse with Unfinished Business

Established in 1958 in the vibrant community of Greenpoint, Kimberley, Young Pirates Masters Football Club has been a cornerstone of local football for over six decades.

Donning their iconic Maroon Sky Blue colors (#MaroonSkyBlue), the club embodies passion, unity, and tradition. Founded by Captain Brown, father of the legendary Assegai brothers who formed the team's backbone for years, Young Pirates has a rich history of competing at high levels.

Their accolades speak volumes: winners of the Smirnoff League in 1976, promoted in the SAB Castle League, and Vodacom League champions from 2001 to 2003, where they narrowly missed national promotion after falling short in the play-offs.

In 2003, they took on giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the ABSA Cup at Loftus Versfeld, and the following year, they claimed the Easter Tournament title with PSL star Norman Smith guesting for them during Cemforce's dominance.

Young Pirates has been a breeding ground for talent, producing professionals like Norman Smith (who represented the national team on multiple occasions), Abel Metsimetsi, Leroy Plaatjies, Raymond Daniels, Basie Vaaltyn, and Richard Lephoi.

Many alumni have shone in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and lower divisions, now known as the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

This season, the Pirates have shown grit and discipline, topping their stream ahead of contenders like Diamond Boys and Macarena. But one loss lingers: the Annual Easter Tournament final earlier this year, where they fell 5-4 on penalties to Aztec.

There's a note in their club profile that simply says, "It's a loss that still haunts the entire team".

No doubt, they're eager for redemption in this play-off, aiming to channel their fighting spirit into a league victory.

Aztec Masters: Built on Values, Rising Through Adversity

In contrast to Young Pirates' long-standing heritage, Aztec Football Club was founded on January 15, 1985, by Omphemetse Patrick Mabula, affectionately known as Stoppa Mabula.

Born as an alternative to the defunct Mighty Panthers FC, Aztec was built on core values learned from the Panthers: respect, love, and unity; Christian values; and dignity. Mabula recruited community members who shared these principles, drawing initial players from Panthers, Phatshimang College of Education, and areas like Petrusburg and Bloemfontein.

Aztec quickly made waves, winning titles like the Castle Mini League and Transnet KO competition. They joined the Sol Plaatjie Masters League in 2017, reaching the Easter Tournament finals in their debut season and finishing 14th overall.

In subsequent years, they won their stream but lost play-off finals to Diamond Boys in season two and Young Pirates in season three, highlighting their consistent competitiveness.

The current squad is a blend of local talent and out-of-towners, including standouts like John Bennett, Floors Jones, Pele Matjana from Hopetown, Khulani Manganyi from Limpopo, and club captain West Mpanza from Kimberley.

Aztec's recent form has been impressive: Easter Tournament champions in 2023 and 2025 (after a second-place finish in 2024), plus a shared first in the Madipelesa tournament this year, despite time constraints cutting the final short.

Boosted by headline sponsor Motswako Lifestyle in 2025, who provided a new soccer kit and Man of the Match vouchers, Aztec has enjoyed strong community support. "It's really been a tough year, but we remain hopeful, and we understand that even the underdogs can win a league," as expressed in their profile. They're ready to reclaim glory against their nemesis.

The Rivalry and What to Expect

These two clubs have a budding rivalry that's already produced memorable moments. The Easter Tournament final earlier this year, where Aztec edged Young Pirates on penalties, adds extra spice to this play-off.

For Pirates, it's about exorcising those demons; for Aztec, it's about proving their mettle as comeback kings.

Both teams bring skilled lineups to the field. Aztec's diverse roster, strengthened by players from across provinces, could provide the edge in stamina and strategy. Young Pirates, with their historical depth and current momentum, will rely on discipline at the Galeshewe Stadium.

Fans can anticipate a high-stakes battle filled with tactical plays, passionate tackles, and perhaps a penalty shootout redux. With the league title on the line, this final could define the season for Sol Plaatjie Masters Football League.

Don't miss out. Head to Galeshewe Stadium on December 7. Be there at 4pm. Whether you're cheering for the resilient underdogs of Aztec or the storied Pirates, this is local football at its finest.